Kick Off Date and Time: 22nd October 2023, 9 pm CET

Stadium: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys

Competition: La Liga, Match Day 10

OVERVIEW

Albeit still in the early stages of the season, FC Barcelona are currently sitting on 3rd position in the La Liga table and will be looking to gather momentum with El Classico coming up next weekend. Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Club stands in their way of the 3 points to keep off the pressure. Injuries to key players have halted the progress of Xavi and his men, but with games coming thick and fast there’s no time to relax. Barca are playing Sunday night and will have the results of teams above them in hand and it might have some effect on their performance.

After a good start, Barca have dropped some crucial points, but have been playing some exciting football. Barca are creating many chances to score but efficiency in front of the goal is the need of the hour. Balde, Yamal and Gavi have all been down with some knocks or discomforts during the international break, but all of them look good in the training ground.

Barca’s defence has not been water tight as compared to last season, with Xavi opting to an attacking system with the arrival of Cancelo to the right back position. Kounde is out for a considerable time and with Aroujo coming back from injury he will have a key role in keeping the opposition far from Barca’s goal.

Xavi might look at some of Barca Athletic forwards for the bench as the forward line looks a little thinner. Xavi might want to return to the form and ideology which was shown at the start of the season and would love to stretch the opposition vertically to bring in the likes of Felix, Ferran and Gavi into the picture between the lines.

Athletic Club had a strong start to the season and are 5th on La Liga standings. It won’t be easy for Barca as Valverde’s teams are known to press higher and would be ready to take on any opportunity of a counter attack if there is any slip up. The midfield is filled with experience and the midfield battle will be key to decide the result.

What to expect from:

FC Barcelona:

Xavi would want some goals in the game and will continue to line up in 4-3-3 formation. With Lewandowski and Raphinha out injured, the onus is on Ferran, Felix and Yamal to lead the line and provide some moments of joy to the crowd. Araujo, Christensen along with Balde and Cancelo on either side on the flanks will share the load of defending and Ter Stegan in goal. Gavi, Gundogan and Romeu might start in the middle of the park as Pedri and Frenkie are still recovering from injuries. Fermin and Inigo might get some minutes with a UCL game coming up midweek.

Athletic Club:

The Basque side have been scoring goals for fun this season already racking up 16 goals in 9 matches, but injury to their star winger Nico Williams might put some dents in their plan. Valverde has been using 4-2-3-1 formation with the wingers providing width and doubling up with the fullbacks in defence when required. Inaki Williams and Guruzeta in attack have been in form and might prove handful for the Barca defenders.

Form Guide : La Liga (Latest to the left most)

FC Barcelona: DWDWW

Athletic Club: WLDWWD

Player to watch out for:

FC Barcelona:

Ferran Torres has had a great pre season and convinced Xavi and his team to trust him for the season and has kept their trust with 3 goals when he came on from the bench. With Lewandowski out with injury, Ferran needs to bring his super sub form from the start and score. His partnership with Felix and Yamal will be key to outfox the opposition defence. He hasn’t been on scoresheet during the International break but will have to play a crucial role in the Catalan giants securing all the 3 points.

Athletic Club:

Inaki Williams has been in good form scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists already this season in La Liga. He will be up against Aroujo and Christensen and will use his physicality to cross them and challenge Ter Stegan. Nico Williams might be a big miss, so his elder brother will have an additional responsibility from his manager to put pressure on Barca’ defenders.

Expected Line Up:

FC Barcelona (4-3-3) :

Marc Ander ter Stegan; Jaoa Cancelo, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Alex Balde; Gundogon, Oriol Romeu, Pablo Gavi; Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Joao Felix

Athletic Club (4-2-3-1) :

Simon; Lekue, Parades, Vivian, Berchiche; Sancet, Garcia; I. Williams, Herrera, Munian ; Guruzeta

Our Prediction:

Managing Barca predicts a low scoring thriller with Barca triumphing over the Basque side to take all the 3 points and build form into the season with some key games coming up.